Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1055. To ask the Minister for Health if she will ban the use of sunbeds, as endorsed by the Taoiseach; if, in the interim, she will take action to ensure that sun bed providers are not accepting false ID from young people under the age of 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23554/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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A key policy objective of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 (Number 12 of 2014) is to protect children and those under 18 years of age from the risk of skin damage, in view of their increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Section 4 of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 provides for a prohibition on permitting the use of a sunbed by a person under 18 years of age on a sunbed premises; selling the use of a sunbed to such a person or on permitting such person in a restricted area (except in the course of employment in the business or the provision of services to the business). Acceptable forms of proof of age are: age card, passport or driving license, relating to the individual.

The HSE National Environmental Health Service (HSE/NEHS) enforces the Public Health (Sunbeds) legislation. To verify compliance, NEHS conducts an annual sunbed inspection programme, including inspections of establishments, mystery shopping, and test purchases.

The HSE/NEHS takes action, as appropriate, when non-compliances of the legislation are identified. The primary focus is to address non-compliances through engagement with the sunbed business. Legal proceedings are instigated, as appropriate.

My officials will engage with colleagues in the HSE/NEHS with a view to reminding Sunbed Business Operators (SBO’s) of the need for continued vigilance when accepting age identification.

The commitment in the Programme for Government to ‘Explore ways to ban commercial sunbed use’ is being examined by officials in my Department.